‘I represent my religion, parents and everything’- Moeen Ali honoured to lead England in Pakistan in the first T20I

Pakistan and England are all set to lock horns in a seven-match T20I series starting 20^th September in Pakistan. England all-rounder Moeen Ali will be seen leading the side in the first game as designated captain Jos Buttler will miss the match due to an injury.

Moeen Ali, whose grandfather had moved to England from Pakistan after the second world war, has spoken ahead of the match about his feeling of leading the English side in Pakistan. England are visiting Pakistan after 17 long years for a bilateral series.

“Being captain, regardless of who it’s against, is a great honour,” Moeen said ahead of the match. “But to do it in Pakistan, coming back after so long… on top of that, having family who migrated from here back in the day, it’s amazing to lead the England side. It’s awesome,” he added.

“I feel like I represent my religion, parents, and everything. It’s a very proud moment for me and my family, my mum and dad, everybody. Everyone who I feel I represent is very happy for me,” he added.

“I’m somebody that wants to play cricket in every cricketing nation. Pakistan and Zimbabwe were the two I’ve really wanted to tour. It’s amazing that we’re here: it’s a big thing for England to come to Pakistan,” he added.

England haven’t won any bilateral series after their exit from the last year’s 20-20 World Cup in the semi-final. They lost against West Indies, India and South Africa back-to-back. The three-lions have two series before they enter the 20-20 World Cup next month.

On the other hand, Pakistan recently had a disappointing loss against Sri Lanka in the final of the Asia Cup. The ‘Men in Green’ were also knocked out of the last year’s world cup in the semi-final. Pakistan have one more T20I series after this, i.e., tri-series against Bangladesh and New Zealand.

England and Pakistan will also go head-to-head against each other in a warm-up match for the world cup on 17^th October.